Input requested: 10 Commandments of Paddling

[Cowper]

I have to call BS on the ARG rule of "bring all your stuff". Nobody, not even ARG, paddles 3 to 5 rafts per person per day.

[Tim Eubanks]

Maybe the "bring all the sh$$ you got" does not refer to boats. ?

[AR-Nimrod]

Don't let Deuce lead if you 're not sure of the shuttle route.

[Jim Krueger]

Floating is so much fun that I seldom consider that not everyone along might be like me and has reserved all day for a 'day trip'. It's always good to mention both how long the trip is in miles and approximate time to help folks less familiar plan better.



Jim Moose

[Deuce]

Don't let Deuce lead if you 're not sure of the shuttle route.

Or even if you are!

[hilbili]

Don't let Deuce lead if you 're not sure of the shuttle route.

Or even if you are!

Also applies to flatwater. Especially after dark!

[Deuce]

Don't let Deuce lead if you 're not sure of the shuttle route.

Or even if you are!

Also applies to flatwater. Especially after dark!

Might you be referring to the recent Current expedition? If so I suspect you've been led astray my good man.

[Yarbrough]

Have fun!

[canoe]

Always follow canoes advice on Richland

[fryingsquirrel]

Thou shalt keep your cooler securely closed.
Thou shalt not forget your can coozie.
Thou shalt use best judgment on whether or not to give helpful advice to Goobers, taking into consideration party demographics when making the decision.
Thou shall not endanger oneself unnecessarily to aid said goobers.
Thou shalt not take the line directed to you by anyone with a nefarious smile.
Thou shall disable thine car alarm at group campsites.
Thou shall always carry a log of interest to said group campsites.
Thou shalt not pitch tent too near or downwind of log of interest.
That's all I got for now. All of these commandments stem from personal experience.
Jon Ellwood
Little Rock

[Gordon Kumpuris]

Thou shalt knoweth the phrase "it's really no harder than _______" is almost always complete BS.
Thou shalt offer to help stranded boaters at all times lest the River Gods smite you unmercifully.
Thou shalt never wear Manpris on the river.
Thou shalt look left and when when driving across any and all bridges.
Thou shalt touch thy paddle often. Just to touch it.
Thou shalt not leave kayak trailer full of students' boats at camp before proceeding to put in.
Thou shalt not question thy friends if small pair of undergarments are discovered in your tent.

[Tim Eubanks]

Always have a couple of extra beverages for shuttle drivers.

Always insist people strap/tie down their own boat on your vehicle. Then inspect.

Always strap/tie down your own boat on others' vehicles.

Make sure your boat is secured to vehicle in case initial strappage fails.

[bmartin]

Here are some others that have been born out from my personal journey at the river of hard knocks.

Consult a solunar calendar before you put on water for floats starting after lunch.
If you paddle with gloves, check to make sure you have a L and a R and not two of the same.
Secure your skirt BEFORE you do a seal launch.
If you use hand paddles, paint them a bright color. Dark colors are hard to see in the water should you swim.
Beer is a nice gesture for anyone who collects gear after your yard sale.
Do not take your non paddling S.O. on the water on a 65 degree day. Chances are they will not share your view of what a WARM paddling day is.
Bringing beer and forgetting to have it a the take out is worse than not bringing beer at all.
Bring some singles and fives when launching from campgrounds, Piney, or CCO.
Do not think your kayak skills will immediately translate into similar skills in other crafts such as canoes and rafts.
I know this has been said before, but follow Cowper's lines at your own peril.